What is Tea Tree Shampoo Good for?

By LeafTV Contributor

Tea tree shampoo, which contains the oil of the tea tree, has become a popular shampoo for its many benefits. The use of tea tree oil for a wide variety of purposes was first common among Australia's aboriginal people. The tea tree oil used in tea tree shampoo is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia.

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What Is Tea Tree Shampoo Good For

Geography

Tea tree shampoos made with essential tea tree oils are derived from plants native to the continent of Australia. The plant was first used as a medicinal inhalant and an antiseptic poultice for wounds. The crushed leaves were used for medicinal purposes, such as to treat colds and sore throats and other ailments. In the 1920s, researchers discovered the tea tree plant and began extracting its oils, after which the commercial tea tree oil and cosmetics industry developed.

Identification

Tea tree oil contains over 98 compounds and is known for its germicidal and antiseptic abilities. Not all tea tree shampoo is safe to use, nor does it have effective amounts of tea tree oils in it, according to the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association. The shampoos come in various colors, and if organic, are usually clear and smell minty or camphorous, as tea tree oil itself is a clear substance.

Uses

Tea tree shampoo is used to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff and to stimulate new hair growth by clearing out old dead skin cells from hair follicles. It has been said that due to the tingly feeling and fresh, minty smell, tea tree shampoo makes a person feel invigorated and energized. For a good shampoo that cleans hair thoroughly and leaves it shiny, these shampoos are often recommended by salons.

Benefits

Tea tree shampoo uses vary. If you have scalp conditions such as dandruff or head lice, it may benefit you. If you are trying to stimulate hair growth and want to feel refreshed after shampooing, tea tree shampoo might be just the right product for you. Some people recommend using it for pets as well. Pets that need skunk smell removed or have excess skin dander may benefit from some form of tea tree shampoo treatment, though it should be diluted first.

Warnings

Swallowing or ingesting tea tree oil is known to be toxic, so the oil, shampoo, and other tea tree products should be kept away from children. The oil has also been known to cause hearing loss when used in the ears, which is a concern and something to be aware of when using these shampoos. Use of tea tree oil on pets should be done with caution and vet approval. High doses of undiluted tea tree oil should not be used, as they have been reported to cause serious side effects in some animals, notably cats. To help deter fleas on dogs, add one capful of pure tea tree oil to its bottle of pet shampoo.